Opportunity available for experienced, caring, and compassionate new team member.
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
We are currently seeking a Licensed Veterinary Technician to join our growing team. We pride ourselves in building a team that inspires others to learn. Please contact our office during working hours if interested. You may bring a resume by or you may email it to: brooksidetech@yahoo.com. We look forward to reviewing them and will contact you for further information if you have the experience we currently need.
Important Update H3N2 Influenza
H3N2 Strain
We are currently carrying the vaccination for canine influenza and this vaccine is for the new strain of flu detected which is the H3N2 strain. The influenza vaccine is only for dogs and it must be given as a booster series of two vaccines three weeks apart, if never had it before. After the initial set of two boosters it can then be given once a year. The new strain of flu, H3N2, was discovered in 2015 and is thought to be a mutation of the previous strain of flu the H3N8.
There have been reports of this strain in Austin, Texas so we highly recommend starting all dogs on this vaccination, especially if they will come into contact with other dogs at boarding facilities, groomers and dog parks. This disease has sickened at least 2,000 dogs in 40 states since first discovered.
All dogs are susceptible to the disease since it is still emerging and there is no immunity to it as of yet. The vaccine is spread through contact with other dogs and is a highly contagious respiratory disease. This form of influenza is not transmittable to people, and our influenza is not transmittable to them. Symptoms of the influenza in dogs are coughing, lethargy, loss of appetite, and runny nose. Severe cases even may develop a fever. If your dog becomes sick make a veterinary appointment as soon as possible to begin treatment.
If you have any other questions about the canine influenza vaccine don’t hesitate to give us a call. We look forward to seeing your pet soon to begin the vaccination boosters, if we haven’t already started them.
Heart Worm Disease
Heart worm disease is dangerous, but completely preventable. All dogs should be tested for heartworm infection by a veterinarian before starting a heartworm preventive program. Protect your dog or cat today.
Heartworm Disease, caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis, was once considered a disease of the southern United States. But it is now found in every state in the continental United States. The mosquito is the only known vector for transmitting heartworm. Microfilariae enter a mosquito when it bites an infected pet. In 10-28 days they mature into larvae. The larvae enter a new animal’s body when it is bitten by an infected mosquito. Larvae mature and migrate to the pet’s heart. Worms in the heart mate and produce microfilariae (6-7 months after infection in dogs, 8 months in cats).
An important part of a complete heartworm prevention program is testing. All dogs should be tested for heartworm infection before starting a preventive program. Testing ensures that your pet is free of adult heartworms, and ready to start or continue on heartworm preventive medication.
A number of heartworm preventives are available to pet owners today. Some heartworm preventives contain additional ingredients that will control other parasites, such as roundworms or hookworms. A monthly preventive should be given to all pets. Remember that mosquitoes can get indoors, so even though your pet may not go outside, he is still susceptible.
Dental Health
Owners that practice good dental care with their dog will reap many benefits in the long run.
The most common cause of bad breath is excessive calculus and plaque deposits on the teeth. Bacteria live and feed in the plaque and produce gum and bone infection, pain, and bad breath.
Calculus is a crusty collection of food particles, minerals, and bacteria that forms at the teeth-gum borders.
Plaque formation eventually leads to gum disease, mouth odors, receding gums and bone destruction and infection. The rate at which plaque forms in your dog’s mouth is mainly due to genetic predisposition, but can be slowed by daily oral hygiene using antiplaque liquid or gel and/or pastes and regular professional cleaning and polishing.
Pyorrhea (inflamed and infected gums) of the teeth is often the cause of kidney infections and endocarditis in older dogs. The pressure on the gums and infection of the teeth is quite painful to your dog.
Preventive Suggestions
An antiplaque liquid or gel (Chlorhexidine) can be applied to the gum tissue with a cotton ball or swab. As an alternative, a soft bristle toothbrush or finger brush can be used with a non-foaming enzymatic toothpaste manufactured for dogs.
Treatments should be done daily or at least every other day, depending on the current problems. Only a few areas are particularly susceptible to plaque and calculus formation. The areas of greatest concern are the canines and upper back molars (side facing cheeks).
Chlorhexidine penetrates gum tissue and prevents bacterial growth, plaque build-up, gingivitis, and bad breath. In addition to the canines and molars, look at the front incisor teeth and brush away any accumulation of hair and food at the gum line if present.
To remove existing calculus deposits, your dog will require short general anesthesia and your dog’s teeth will be cleaned with dental instruments along with an ultra-sonic machine that vibrates the calculus off the surface of the teeth. Calculus from under the gum tissue is carefully removed using a hand scaler. Finally, the teeth are polished to reduce purchase for new deposits. This can often be done when the dog is under anasthetic for other reasons, such as neutering.
Dogs do not commonly get cavities. When they do occur, it is more often at the root of the tooth rather than at the crown. Cavities can lead to root abscesses.
Abscessed roots often cause a swelling just below the animal’s eye. Generally, tooth extractions are needed at this point.
Brookside Animal Hospital is focusing on your pets dental health. If your pet hasn’t recieved a dental please make an appointment today.
It only is a preventative measure to avoid critical health problems later as well as helping them to keep their teeth for a healthier life. If these measures are not applied it will only lead to more costly medical care and problems later in their lives.
